Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
technical series
16
General Plan and
“Implementation Programme 1977-1982
Unesco 1977
The designations employed and the presentation of
the material in this publication do not imply the
expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part
of the Secretariats of Unesco and IOC concerning
the legal status of any country or territory,or of
its authorities,or concerning the delimitations of
the frontiers of any country or territory.
ISBN 92-3-101524-9
1;rcnch edition 92-3-201524-2
Spanish edition 92-3-301524-6
Published in 1979
by the United Nations Itducational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization
7,place de Fontenoy, 75700 Paris,1:rancc
Printed in the workshops of Unesco
0 U n m o 1979 [SI
Printed in France
CONTENTS
Page
r:
FOREWORD
INTRODUCTION
General
Purpose
Principles
Expected Benefits
Elements of IGOSS
Review of the Programme Developments (1969-1975)
Recent Developments
Need for Further Systems Development
7
RELATION OF IGOSS TO OTHER INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMMES AND ORGANIZATIONS
World Weather Watch
7
Marine Meteorological Services System
8
Long-term and Expanded Programme of Oceanic Exploration and
Research/International Decade Ocean Exploration 1971-1980
8
(LEPOR/IDOE)
Global Atmospheric Research Programme
8
The Global Environmental Monitoring System (GENS)
9
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research
s
International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
10
10
10
OBSERVING SYSTEM
Purpose and Principles
11
Observational Data Requirements
11
i
Network Design and Observational Strategies
Parameters to be Observed
IGQBS Basic Observational'Network
.
Purpose and Concept
Network of Stations
Accurac? and Resolution
Observational Platforms
Oceanographic and Meteorological Research Ships
Page
Ocean Weather Ships
18
WMO Voluntary Observing Ships and Ships of Opportunity
Ocean Data Buoys
Coastal ana sia and Stations
Satellites
Further Studies and Development Work Required
18
18
19
19
19
21
TELECOMTKNICATION ARRANGEMENTS
Purpose and Principles
21
Collection and Exshange of BATKY and TESAC Reports
Methods of Data Collection
21
22
Dissemination of Products to Users
23
IGOSS DATA PROCESSING AND SERVICES SYSTEM
23
Purpose and Principle
Organization of the IDPSS
23
24
Specified kinctions of WOCs for 1977-1982
25
Specifications for Initial WOC Products
.
25
Development Aims for WOCs
27
Specifications for NOCs and SOCS
Quality Control
27
28
28
The Exchange of Processed Data
~
Archiving and Exchange
28
DATA ARCHIVING AND EXCHBMGE
Purpose
29
B A T W and TESAC Data
Future Developments
29
29
Archival and Exchange of Products
31
32
32
32
Archival Services
33
MARINE POLLUTION MONITORING PROGRAMME
33
35
Marine Pollution Data
Satellite and Aircraft Data
Other Data
TRAINING AND EDUCATION PROGRAMME
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Scales and Processes
35
35
Techniques and Methodology
36
Approach
37
Since the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and the World
Meteorological Organization adopted the IGOSS General Plan and Implementation
Programme for P b s e I in 1969, the routine international exchange of oceanographic
data within the framework of IGOSS has become a reality. The Pilot Project for the
Collection, Exchange and Evaluation of Bathythermograph Data, which waa the initie1
operational phase of IGOSS has demonetroted that the pravieioa of o o m m p h i c
services is feasible and beneficial. It m w t , however, be pogntetf out *ha& not all ,
the concepts outlined in the General Pian hsrtre proven su~ceeefuland that @orne
I ~ the PflQt PrsJeot
operational deficienciea atill exist. Beverthelere, the B U C O ~ I of
has led to the conolurion that IC054 be deiaig9eited operational while, of b8UP0QI
further progranme developnsnte to BtrePgth8n eJid SXpeind the ayit- are B e b W rrndertah
This recormendation was approved by the SOC Emacuhive Oouncil m d tho mK) Pseoutîve
Committee in 1975 at their fifth a d W e a t p e r o m o h oe8JiOn8, tJapectiWefJ.
.
Reoagnieing thet develcipments in oceenogrephio nervios
f
a
h
*8+6sion 08
00me c€mn&m in the sloops of IGOSS, ths Fmrdh i
for nmsa and the SzeamQire Committee P d ~f -erte.on
HetssxWoEdW A ~ R
Ocean &ifdo& reo0-a
peeparartSon O# %hie new &meraï Pien rad Z k p X m t a t k
thu aaope tr oW'ootir
pr~grairae. 'phi0 pian does not eu,egeet w d o r xwîsione
& guide fer M b r developslan$ and
rSr 9.rprlion O
IGOSB bat ie intended
manner in w h b h partioi'pahiag n a t h m i riih I W W to &auelop. W n e d fa*-r Seo*General Plan incorgorathg new $.ohaique6
rnd xemnlfe o f - e X P e r b n W 8 h . d 8 - h
waa foreeeen and-oall-d for in the General Plan end Implementa%fon M g r r i p e for Phaie
I
During ite next phase, ICOSS will be improved and e r g d i e d byt the
.
incorporation of oceanogrephio data gathered via setellifme end. buoye; tbe a t r t ~ ~ t l ~ ~ i
of shipboard obeerving teohniquea; the implementetion OP a synoptic cumlyaîr cpû
prediotion epetem and the m o n i b r i n g of w i n e pollutants. Yet a very brjio problrii,
the
of an adequete bathytherm-ph
data base, still faosa IcOsEl @oiprnQr.
ia
~ e ~ a * ~it
y , is important to re-emphasise the principle m n t a i n e â
th0
General Plan and Implementation Programme for W a e e I that "the o o e m &the
atmosphere should be obeeirved ausd a t a d i d together booause they oontinuuumlf d f e g t
each other in a number of important ways." Thie prinoiple has been rehiforom3 while
IGOSS has been developing end it is oorreot ta expect X W S S to aontributa a+fieentlf
to the slolution of important p r o b l e m beetudied jointly by aetsorolo@rrt0
arsd
oceanographers. The Firet GdRp Global liïkperiaent sad GARP sub-progresmes reqwirs
oceanographic inputs ernd have identified IGaSS ae a eupporting progrmwe. Ooawu&cap&ia
expsri8ientai Being conduoted rinder the euapiaee of £be hag-P5~!~
end Rkpan#ed M m e
of Ooeania Xzplorstion aad Besettach mwyxîm msteomlogiortl. data end e e n i o m in
simil,= manner through the World Weather Watoh and the Harine WeteorolwiQill Servioes
Syetem of W. Tha concept that the WeteorologfcBl Servioes Bystem anti IWSS are
complementary end shonld thus be developed and operated together remaine e oentrsl
theme of IGOSS.
The Integrated Global Ocean Station System (IGOSS)
Plan and Implementation Programme 1977-1982
INTRODUCTION
General
1.
The 1t egrat e Global Ocean Station System (IGOSS) is a joint IOC/WO
operational service programme for the provision of infomation on the stad& of the
oceans. Through ICOSS, states are provided the means by which they may cooperate
multi-laterally in pursuit of their efforts to improve oceanographic eervices to
various marine activiti~eand to support the scientific atudy of the o c e a m and the
atmosphere. When IGOSS is fully operationall participating states throughout the
world will be able to obtain: additional oceanographic data; aynoptio and nearreal-time oceanographic analyses end prediotiom; data Burammiss; seleatrd seryices
designed for epecial, perhaps limited area) applications; ai8 technical support in
the operations of oceanographic service programea. It ie understood that for
technical and perhaps financial reanons, full implementation of this plan might not
be achieved in some parts of the world during the period 1977-1982.
Purpo s e
2.
The need for oceanographic services and scientific study stems fron mankinds'
continuously growing need for more food from the ooeane and land alike and other
resources that may be in or be under the 5ee, for improved maritime transport, and
for better protection against hazards of the ace- and atmosphere. The availability
of food and water, basic essentials of life for man, ie controllad to a Zssge degree
by the n a h r a l and man-induced characteristias of the oceans. Long-term anomalies in
the thermal structure may induce climate cllpbngee that have adverse effects Q&cropI,
even to the emtent of c a u s i q droughts, Current& may meandert $%king vital fish
out of the reach of' m ' s fleets and relied upon upwellings snd the associated good
harvests may not appear. Growing marine pollution af$slc%5 richnens and quality of
living resources and may alter exchanges of energy and; rnetter between the o o e m an4
atmosphere and, henee, the stsbilityaof the climst
Energy, -other eesentid need
8ouroe8 discovered or
of modern m m in short supply, muet b e ioneerved a d
developed. The oceans are h i g h w s p on which goods rnllet be transported safely and
over the Boat economical route; h a s t fuel consuming in thia oa0e. O c e a ourrent
I I ~ I ~data
~ Q fkem
V ~
and wave observekioqs and forecaste @re qeieded 40s this $arpose,
o a e a aream rsuld contriBute to %he iieveI&&nt
of forma
tropical storms. In addition, aoze information conoernin
-laos
ooam
conditions is neoessary to allow improved weather formasting madbls to be developed,
The ICOSS programme should be %xpbCaAed appPopristdJt by natfoae to meet the data and :
product services required to satiefy these and other needs.
3a
Some of the needs for operp+,ional
OorPng and prediction aervices, the
e previous p,atra&aph.
A comment on
primary role of IGOSS, were cited brieflyi
the potential of nations to provide ocean0
ic services is necessary at the outaet
of this plan as, in Borne respects, capabilities are limited. A fill understanding of
the physical processes involved and the develogment of models to describe and predict
the oceanographic and atmospheric environment have not yet been achieved. It is
- 2 -
*
still not clear what avenues must be followed to correct this situation but several
scientifio activities to which IGOSS may oontribute and benefit from should be
undertaken. IGOSS, through ite obaervetion p r e p a m m e can contribute surface and
sub-surface data, particularly from bathythermographs, at fixed locations and along
standard traoka as part of the global-monitoring programme. Further, processed
data and global and speaialized analyses could be provided through the IGOSS Data
h o o e s e i n g and Services Syetem (
IDPSS).
The principles for the development of IGOSS stipulated in the General
4.
Plan end Implementation P r o m a m m e for Pliase I are as relevant for the period
19774982 as they were for Phase 1. They, along with additional principles, are as
follows :
i.
ii.
iii.
iv
.
V.
vi.
vii.
IGOSS should be a global oceanic system and consist of national
facilities and services provided largely by the participating
lviember States themselves with co-ordination and oupport from
IOC and WMO and other international and regional organizations.
IGOSS, to be effective, should be a co-ordinated system responsive
to the operational and research requirements agreed upon among the
participating nations and should utilize the most modern
observing, communication and processing technology available.
IGOSS should be a dynamic system, flexible enough
to scientific and technical advances.
to be adapted
IGOSS should be planned and operated closely with the World
Weather Watch (WWW), and Marine Meteorological Services System (MMSS)
of WMO.
IGOSS should be capable of providing support to co-operative
investigations and scientific experiments through the provision of
data and products
derived from these data.
,.
All types of IGOSS observations, their accuracy, frequency, technical
characteristics, means of telecommunication, reporting codes, and
methods of data exchange and storage should be standardized and
uniform.
IGOSS should be used only for peaceful purposes, due account being
taken of the national sovereignty and security of States, in
accordance with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.
Expected Benefits
5.
The need for information about the ocean environment goes beyond the
oceanographic community. Scientific and industrial institutions, as well as
government, public, and private interests concerned with maritime policy and
economic development need information to achieve practical goals. The following
list indicates areas of interest which could benefit from information made available
through IGOSS programmes which provide data and/or analyses and forecasts of
- 3 -
surface, sub-surface and bottom water temperature, salinity, surface and sub-surface
currents, tides and tidal streams, storm surges, tsunamis and other water level
anomalies.
i.
ii.
iii.
Fisheries including mariculture
exploitation and management.
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
X.
improved efficiency,
Shipping, safety of navigation, routeing and cargo care.
Ocean and offshore engineering - improved efficiency, design,
planning and management, exploitation of mineral resources,
protection and safety.
iv . Meteorological Services
forecasts.
V.
- for
- improved
short-and long-term weather
Sea ice and iceberg prediction services
movement and decay.
- formation and
breakup,
-
Pollution abatement and control
protection of living resources
and man, effluent and waste disposal, distribution and transport
of pollutants.
Recreation
- planning, navigation,
safety and protection.
Search and rescue operations.
Harbour control
and safety.
- scheduling, management
and design, protection
Support of oceanographic and’ meteorological research, undertaken in
national and international programmes.
Elements of IGOSS
6.
The basic elements of IGOSS are:
(i> The IGOSS Observing System (10s) consists af various facilities
for obtaining oceanographic and marine meteorological observations
at sea from ships, buoys, satellites and other platforms with the
support of the Global Observing System of the World Weather Watch.
(ii)
(iii)
The IGOSS Data Processing and Services System (IDPSS) consists of
national, specialized and world oceanographic centres forthe processing
of the required observational data and preparation of required
products (oceanographic analyses and forecasts) and provision of services
to various marine user groups.
-
the use of the WWW Global
The IGO,SS Telecommunication Arrangements
Telecamrdunication System, satellite relay or interrogation links or
other newly developed facilities and techniques for collection and
distribution of the required observational data from oceanic
observational platforms as well as for exchange and distribution o f
processed information.
-4-
(iv)
-
The use of existing
The IGOSS Data Archivinffand Exchange System
mechanisms and channels for international oceanographic data
exchange, consisting of *World Data Centres (Oceanography) (WDC),
Regional Oceanographic Data Centres (RODCS), National Oceanographic
Data Centres (MODCs), Designated National Agencies (DNA), and IGOSS
Responsible National Oceanographic Data Centres (IRNODCs) in order
to ensure preservation of observational data and IGOSS products
and their provision to users on national and international levels.
Development of archiving and exchange procedures for oceanographic data
including IGOSS data are the responsibility of IOC Working Committee
€or International Oceanographic Data Exchange.
7.
In addition to the basic elements mentioned above, IGOSS has embarked
on the following programmes:
(i)
(ii)
-
The IGOSS Marine Pollution Monitoring Procrramme
Established as
a function of IGOSS and to be co-ordinated with IOC WC for GIPME.
It is to comprise regular observations of selected pollutants as
well as relevant oceanographic and meteorological parameters. The
development should be c a r r i a out through progressive integration
of national and regional pollution monitoring programmes and by
launching pilot studies and projects dealing with monitoring of
selected pollutants in certain oceanic areas.
IGOSS Education and Training Programme - To enable developing
countries to participate actively in IGOSS, considerable attention
of relevant IOC and WMO bodies, in particular the IOC WC on T E U
and Wp40 EC Panel on Education and Training should be directed to
the subject of education and training for IGOSS purposes. The
fields of synoptic oceanography, marine pollution monitoring,
oceanographic observations, data processing and archiving and
application of products and services should be emphasized. In
addition, studies arein hand with a view to developing an ocean
current programme.
As well as the programme elements listed above, research is needed in
8order to ensure a sound scientific basis for the development of IGOSS. Studies are
needed in areas such as: modelling of the general circulation of the ocean; studies
of the ocean variability; and air/sea interaction. These studies should be conducted
by scientists and research laboratories of the participating countries and within the
framework ofintmational scientific programmes when appropriate. Support €or research
may be provided through IGOSS in the form of data and products.
Review of the Programme Developments (1969-1975)
9.
The initial operational programme of IGOSS, the Pilot Project for the
Collection and Exchange of Bathythermograph Data (BATHY Pilot Project) has been
carried out successfully since January 1972. An average of 1,550 reports were
exchanged via the GTS monthly during 1973 with 1,250 per month in 1974. Evaluations
* For definitions of functions refer to IOC Manuals and Guides No.1
Manual on IGOSS Data Archiving and Exchange.
-
- 5 -
of the BATHYsPilot Project were made in 1973 and 1974. In 1975 the IOC Executive
Council and WMO Executive Committee approved the conversion of the Pilot Project
into an operational programme. The following deficiencies were identified during
the Pilot Project that must be overcome during the next phase of IGOSS:
(1)
relatively few Member States participated;
(2)
the amount of data made available by participants was limited;
and,
(3) a considerable amount of data were lost at various stages of data
relay and transmission.
Operational instructions required for participation in IGOSS are contained
10.
in the following Manuals and Guides:
-
Manual on IGOSS Data Archiving and Exchange (IOC Manuals and
Guides No.1)
Guide to Operational Procedures for Collection and Exchange
of Oceanographic Data (BATHY and TESAC) (IOC Manuals and
Guides No.3)
Guide to Oceanographic and Marine Meteorological Instruments
and Observing Practices (IOC Manuals and Guides No.4)
11.
A second operational programme, the Pilot Project on Marine Pollution
Monitoring was launched in 1975. This initial IGOSS marine pollution project is an
internationally co-ordinated programme for monitoring petroleum-derived oils. An
operational plan, containing a description of procedures for sample collection,
preservation and analyses was prepared. This plan was accepted as a basis for the
development of the Joint IOC/WMO/UNEP Pilot Project on Baseline Studies and Monitoring
of oil and petroleum hydrocarbons in the Mediterranean, which is considered as a
substantial input to the IGOSS Pilot Project on Marine Pollution Monitoring. Upon
the initiative of UNEP, a study of the feasibility of a programme for monitoring
background levels of selected pollutants in open ocean waters was undertaken by
consultants appointed by UNEP, WMO and IOC. This study showed that such a programme
can be initiated in 1976, as a pilot phase in the Atlantic Ocean.
12.
A plan for the IDPSS has been developed the purpose of which is to make
available to specialized and national oceanographic centres basic processed
observational data and analyses and forecasts for real-time and near-real-time
applications. Studies have been made on the design and development of the IGOSS
Observing System. As a result of these studies a proposal was made for the
establishment of an IGOSS Basic Observational Network (IBON). The IDPSS and D O N
concepts are incorporated in this general plan and implementation programme fox
1977-1982. Other studies and reviews have been undertaken on the development of new
ocean data acquisition systems, user applications of oceanographic products and
services, an ocean current observation prograinme, telecommunication aspects of IGOSS
and the provision of support for CARP experiments.
Recent Developments
13.
The success of satellites to provide sea surface observations as well as
their potential for communicating data from platforms at sea to processing centres
must be considered as an important development. Even though the use of satellites
.
- 6 -
has not been incorporated in IGOSS as yet, expert groups have studied their use in
conjunction with the development of automated data acquisition and transmission
devices and the development of environmental analysis and prediction routines.
14.
Planning bodies are now considering the role IGOSS may play in helping to
solve the critical world problems concerning food and energy. One role will be to
contribute to the global monitoring systems for apecifying the present climate for
introduction into realistic models used to compute the future climate and to verify
the predictions made in the recent past. Current observations in certain significant
areas and predictions are needed for search and rescue operations, navigatian and ship
routeing. The IGOSS ocean current monitoring project which may be initiated on a
pilot basis in the 1977-82 period stems from the growing need for operational ocean
current information.
15.
The Global Atmospheric Research Programme has already contributed to a
clearer understanding of the need for coupled air/ocean models and related monitoring.
Continued co-operation between IGOSS and GARP will be mutually beneficial.
16.
A significant event affecting IGOSS development was the United Nations
Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm in June 1972. The action plan
drawn up in Stockholm and approved by the UN in Resolution 90, called upon the
"IOC, jointly with WMO and, as appropriate, in co-operation with other interested
intergovernmental bodies, (to) promote the monitoring of marine pollution, preferably
within the framework of IGOSS." The IGOSS Marine Pollution Monitoring Pilot Project
is the first operational response of the IOC and WMO to this resolution.
Need for Further Systems Development
17
An efficient global oceanographic service programme encompassing observational,
telecommunications, data processing, product formulation and dissemination and data
storage and retrieval elements is a vast undertaking that could only be considered if
multi-national interest exists. The usefulness of an oceanographic service will be
only realized when: adequate amounts of data become available; the ocean and
air/oceam dynamics are better understood; the system is able to overcome technological
restraints in response to user needs and, in addition, adequate resources are made
available by participating nations, The state of IGOSS development relative to the
optimum service is such that:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Data collection for synoptic purposes has only reached the
10-20 per cent level of foreseen requirements. For this
reason, ships must be used to a far greater extent to
measure surface and sub-surface variables and development
must be accelerated on data acquisition devices such as
buoys, satellites and radars. Sensing and transmitting
oceanic parameters from these should be through automatic
means whenever possible.
A general shortcoming exists in most oceanographic prediction
techniques in that a basic understanding of the physical
processes involved is usually lacking. Studies and experiments
must be directed at the understanding of oceanic mechanisms
and their interaction through a range ?f time and space scales
before oceanic prediction is attempted.
Many of the innovations that will lead to a sophisticated service
system have been identified. Further study and development will
be required to take advantage of modern technology and techniques.
- 7 -
(iv)
The long-term trend in the levels of pollutants in the world's
oceans can be assessed only by measurements carried out over a
period of many years of sites that are not directly influenced
by inputs from the mainland or by ocean dumping activities. At
present, information about the nature of open ocean water pollution
is limited. Furthermore, because of different analytical methods
that have been applied so far without thorough intercalibration,
it is difficult to compare all the published data.
RELATION OF IGOSS TO OTHER INTERNATIONAL PBOGFfAMMES A,ND ORGANIZATIONS
World Weather Watch
18.
The IGOSS will continue to use extensively facilities of the World Weather
Watch and should therefore be developed in close relation with the implementation of
the World Weather Watch, The essential elements of the World Weather Watch are:
i.
ii.
iii.
The observation networks and other observational facilities,
called the Global Observing System (GOS),
The meteorological centres and the arrangements for the
processing of the observational data for the storage and
retrieval of data, called the Global Data-Prooessing
System (GDPS), and
The telecommunication facilities and arrangements necessary
for the rapid exchange of the observations and of the
processed data, called the Global Telecommunication System (GTS).
19
GOS consists of the surface-based sub-system and space-based sub-system.
The surface-based sub-system includes such platforms aB fixed m a stations, mobile
ship stations and automatic marine stations. Fixed sea stations (stationary ship
stations and fixed and anchored platforms) provide essential and detailed
meteorological and oceanographic data from critical locations in ocean areas, where
more economical means are not available. Mobile ship stations,known commonly as
WMO voluntary observing ships, have been used for taking bathythermograph
observations for IGOSS. Progress has been made in the development and deployment of
buoys which take and transmit marine meteorological and some oceanoGaphfc obseruations.
Mobile and fixed observation platforms mentioned above constitute part of the six WMO
regional basic synoptic networks which in their aggregate form the global basic
network. Meteorological satellites under the space-baaed sub-system of GO? are
divided into two groups, those in near-polar orbits and thoee in geostationaPy
orbits. They provide observations of, amongst other things, temperatures of the
sea, snow and ice cover. One of the imp
tures af mbteorological
ay environmental data sensed by
satellites is their capability to aallec
on-s*ationary.
a variety of ocean platforms both stati
-
GPS &wides the telecommunications facilities and arrangements far the
20 .
4distribution of observational data and
rapid and reliable collection, exchar&
processed information. IGOSS will depend on GTS for the international exchange of
oceanographic data and processed information.
Where the processing of data
'8
-
exchanged under IGOSS is closely linked with the processing of data exchanged under
WWW, international co-ordination is needed between the data processing component of
IGOSS (i.e. IDPSS) and the correspordin$ component of WWW (i.e. GDPS).
Marine Meteorological Services System
21.
The Harine Meteorological Services System (MQS) provides, to the extent
possible, marine meteorological and other related geophysical information for all
shipping routes, fishing areas and areas of o-bher marine activities. Activities
undertaken under the MMSS are closely linked with the oceanographic analysis and
prediction services developed under IGOSS, namely the IDPSS. The further
development of the IDPSS should be undertaken in close co-ordination with the MMSS to
ensure the rational use of resources available and to avoid duplication of efforts.
Long-term and Expanded Programme of Oceanic Exploration and Research/International
Decade Ocean Exploration 1971-1980 (LEPOR/IDOE)
22.
The purpose of LEPOR/IDOE is ['to increase knowledge of the ocean, its
contents and the contents of its subsoil and its interfaces with the land, the
atmosphere and the ocean floor and to improve understanding of processes operating in
or affecting the marine environment, with the goal of enhanced utilizations of the
ocean and its resources for the benefit of mankind". The results of some of the
research programmes under the auspices of LEPOB/IDOE will have immediate use within
IGOSS and other oceanographic service programmes. As understanding of the ocean is
advanced, so can monitoring and prediction pystems be advanced: important scales
and processes can be monitored and accounted for in prediction models. It is the
responsibility of those developing services, including IGOSS, to identify for the
LEPOR/IDOE participants the research that is required to improve that service.
The data obtained during LEPOR/IDOE experiments, if relayed to IGOSS
23.
oceanographic centres in real-time, may be used in generating products already online. Data and products can be provided through IGOSS to researchers as well as to
supplement their data collection programmes.
Global Atmospheric Research Programme
GARP is a joint WMO/ICSU (International Council of Scientific Unions)
24
programme for studying those physical processes of the atmosphere that are essential
for an understanding of the large-scale fluctuations which control changes of weather,
and a better understanding of the physical basis of climate. In order to develop
the necessary understanding, certain programmes and sub-programmes, essentially
international in character, and of a theoretical and experimental nature, have been
formulated. They deal with specific physical and dynamical processes, either of a
global or regional character. Within the several sub-programmes experiments have
been designed to determine the behaviour of the whole atmosphere or some part of it,
relevant to the particular sub-programme.
25.
Synoptic oceanographic data a d analyses are required for determining boundary
conditions for operational medium-range wea$her prediction models and in research as
one of the factors in assessing the feasibility of longer-range weather and climate
predictions. Scientific experiments dealing with ocean-atmosphere interaction require
data on sea surface and sub-surface temperature, water density and where possible,
- 9 ocean currents. The scale in which these data are required is determined by the
experiment and arrangements, therefore, include the establishment of a suitable
network of observations in the area of the experiment. Members should endeavour to
arrange for such a permanent and global network of sea surface and sub-surface
temperatures, water density and ocean current observations by 1978, when major
scientific experiments under GARP will be conducted.
26.
The First GARP Global Experiment (FGGE) is the main observational part of
the GARP Global Sub-programme an8 is concerned with the large-scale dynamics of the
atmosphere, the central theme of GARP. It is an effort to provide a world-wide
teet of how well existing models of the earth's atmosphere can simulate the present
climate. The Observational Phase of FGGE consists of a Build-up Year from September
1977 to August 1978 and an Operational Year from September 1978 to August 1979,
including two Special Observing Periods of intensive data collection, each of two
months duration. The data management plan for the First GARP Global Experiment
(FGGE) includes BATHY and TESAC as special observing systems. I O S S
participants have been called upon to increase their observation frequency during
FGGE and t o support specific GARP sub-programmes such as MONEX.
The Global Environmental Monitoring Syatem (GENS)
27.
Several programmes and studies on marine pollution monitoring undertaken
within the framework of IGOSS have been recognized by UNEP as an eseential
contribution to GEMS and are being developed in co-ordination and with the
support of UNEP. This includes: Pilot Project on Marine Pollution (petroleum)
Monitoring, Joint IOC/WMO/UNEP Co-ordinated Pilot Project on Baseline Studies and
Monitoring of Oil and Petroleum Hydrocarbons in the Mediterranean and the preparation
of the programme for monitoring background levels of selected pollutants in open
ocean waters.
28.
GEHS is a major step in the evolution of Earthwatch - a maJor funotional taek
of the United Nations Environment Programvie (UNEP). The goals to be aqhieved t h r o w
the functioning of GENS include, inter alia:
(i)
An assessment of global atmospheric pollution and its impact
on climate;
(ii>
An assessment of the extent and distribution of contaminant8
in biological systems, particularly food chains;
(iii) An assessment of the state of ocean pollution and ita impact
on marine ecosystems2
An imprgved international system allowing the monitoring of
the factors necessary fox the understanding and foreceetiag
of disasters and the implementation of effioieat wmnirsg
systems
29-
The Governing Council of Ul@F.,&ae
decided to:
Include ocean baseline stations, analogoq to the etvaapheric
baseline stations, which oould take the for@ of' island stations,
data buoys or ships of opportunity;
Assist in the expansion of the Integrated Global Ocean Station
System to include other pollutants in addition to petroleum
hydrocarbons;
. ,
- 10 (c) . Support education and training efforts that should enhance
the participation of developing nations and thus improve
the overall effectiveness of the ocean programme.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
.30Events in the upper zone of the ocean in any area of the world may have
some influence on living resources in that area. In this sense, any information
that can be collected under IGOSS as to the physical,' chemical and biological
characteristics of the upper zone may have some relevance to research on marine living
resources. But oceanographic factors affecting the abundance and distribution of
living resources are different from area to area, from situation to situation and
from resource to resource. For example, temperature is one of the factors determining
the distribution of fish; a sharp temperature boundary often constitutes a barrier
to fish distribution and movement. Similarly, the extent and intensity of coastal
upwelling appear very important, although it is not known exactly how this affects the
abundance of fish. Surface currents often affect the distribution and survival of eggs
and larvae. The survival rate in the early stages of development of fish is, to a
greater or lesser extent, determined by the availability of the right kind of food at
the right time.
31
FAO will attempt to identify the fishery requirements for IGOSS products
based on which, and within the IGOSS programme, a "pilot project" will be developed
for a specific region and fishery. The experience gained during the pilot project
phase will contribute to our understanding of the ways in which environmental factors
may affect fisheriesloperations. Based on the results, IGOSS services can then be
developed progressively to meet the requirements of fisheries on a regional and global
basis.
Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research
The Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR) of the International
32
Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU) co-ordinates research and conducts studies which
are directly related to IGOSS. For example, SCOR working groups have been formed to
work on: Internal Dynamics of the Ocean; Oceanographic programmes during FGGE;
the influence of the ocean on climate (with IAPSO); mathematical modelling of oceanic
processes (with IAPSO); and coastal upwelling processes. As needs arise within
IGOSS for oceanographic studies, SCOR should be called upon to assist in IGOSS
development.
International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
33
The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) is both a
supporting and user organization of IGOSS. Members of ICES have provided data and
participated in a pilot project for thermal structure analysis (OVERFLOW 73) for the
north-east Atlantic. The Service Hydrographique of ICES is a permanent Regional
Oceanographic Data Centre co-operating in the IGOSS Data Archival and Exchange
Programme. The research projects conducted under the auspices of ICES have similar
relationships to IGOSS as that of the LEPOR/IDOE programme.
- 11 OBSEBYIIG SYSTEM
Purpose and Principles
The purpose of the IcOSf3 obtaerviz%&f syetem im -koprovide partialgating
34.
netione with marine environmental &eta raqnlred for operational m d rereazotr pnrPQ6efB.
Ita faoilitiee mar be used in eugpa~tOP a f ~ r
~ ~ f n QT
e oi n t e r n a t i o d PrO&mniliie6,
providirag that suoh utilisation would
gurpoee of the XGQSS obrerpirrg ey
35,
'Eh@ fGOS3 ofrsmming sye
tp the Uaitsd H a t i o m Globe1 Enwfrimmfa
infammtfo-n on a rrgPltw besia foz m ~
on weather and climat8, ssl well a1 P b f
$* w51x w o v i
n
ollntim W a t ~ ~
d&+B,
w
ObservaSional nata Beauimmmrzts
A 8 for Phaes I of IGOSS, the pPidata olerquirements will ba for 008au
36
thermal rtrubture and Balinity data. Dur5ag 1973r approrinately 17.ooO Bl? reports
were exchanged within the framework of the 2WSS B A W R pilot project, while during
the eame psriod, in addition,the World Data Centre A (Oceenograghy) reoeired 58.083
This indicates
observatione from oceanographic etations (temperetme and salinity).
great potential for increasing the amount of m e a n temperature data
on a synoptic basie.
,
While the BATHY pilot project benionetrated that the IGOS8 observ&q ryatem
37
is a viable one, it also revealed that aeeningful oceanogxaphio analyaee md
prediction8 oould not be prepared unlees the prerent level of the avdlabllitjy of
ocean teaperature data is significantly up-graded. Eetimates of the BA=
data which
would etnerble nations to produce meaningful sub-eurfaoe analyaee, have h e n made and are
given in the table on page 12.
One of the main uses of IGOSS data will be a@ input to ocean/&tnorphere
30
numerical models. For this purpose, the t h e r m 1 etruetarre in the upper 500 m will
-e
required. Real-time aurface ourrent information is also of great importanoar and
a eignificant improvement in sea surface current observations should be d e .
Network D.esim and Qbservetional S trateniee
39
Observational strategy in IGOSS aims to employ the most suitable technique0
and ensure that the frequency of sampling (time and space) is optimum, taking
copizanoe of the way in which the observations are to be used. Information needed
to formulate an observational strategy for a particular parameter is as follows:
(i)
(ii)
A knowledge of the variability (time and space) of the
parameter;
Present, and likely future
paramet er;
methods of measurements of the
--12 -
ESTIMATED M T H Y REQUIREMENTS
FOR PREPARATION
OF MEANIKFUL SUBSURFACE ANALYSES
Approximate
Daily
Minimum Monthly
No. of Observing Observations Observations Required
Water Masses
Points
Required
(Best Di stri bu ti on 1
Approximate
No. of
AREA
14
56
112
3,360
South Atlantic
Ocean
10
30
60
1,800
Mediterranean
Sea
2
8
16
480
North Pacific
Ocean
18
70
140
4,200
South Pacific
Ocean
12
36
72
2,160
North Indian
Ocean
7
21
South Indian
8
71
North Atlantic
Ocean
'
.
42
1,260
24
48
1,440
21 5
490
14,700
Ocean
TOTAL
- 13 (iii)
(iv)
The uses or purposes of the observations;
Instrumental accuracies.
At present there is not sufficient information available under any of the, above
headings. The most important lack is under item (i).
In addition, it is emphasized
that the relative costs of different methods of measurement will become an important
factor in observational strategy as the IGOSS system develops in m o p e and complexity.
Overall efficiency and economy will become of increasing importance as total cost
increaees.
Network design can be considered as part of the overall problem of
40 *
formulating 831 observational strategy. Network deraign can be interpreted broadly 88
determining the real density of obtlerving statione and the frequenoy of obeervaBione
at each s t a t i m that are, in some ienee adequater Stations need not be geogrsph&oelly
fixed. A question may arise a8 to whether drifting buoys or moored buoge wfll be more
effective fop measuring the temperature structure of the upper boeLatlr Ti a etEbtiStiQ@x
model for the temperature etruoture of the mized layer can be f o m l s t e d for different
regions from available data, a network design approach providee a method for
determining the optimum choice.
41
The problem of network design has been approached in a number of different
ways. An approach developed mainly by meteorologiete starts from the statistics of
the parameter and seeks to estimate the accuracy with which the value of that parameter
can be interpolated at a fixed grid point in relation to (i). aoouraoy of observation
and (ii) spacing of observations. !Chi5 approach has been used in the planning of the
Mid-Ocean Dynamics Experiment (POLYMODE) and the Borth Pacific Experiment (NOWAX).
A
knowledge of time and space scales, as given for example by the appropriate correlation
functions or structure functions, is essential in the application of this approach to
network analysis.
42
A second and more direct approach is to divide the region of interest into
sub-regions, based on acoumulated knowledge of the water masses in the area. At
least three sampling stations should then be looated in each sub-region. Samples from
these stations, if their positions are not cwlinear, allow some estim8te of zonal
and meridional gradients in each area. With this approach, the queetion of how
often samples should be taken must be answered separately, usually on the basis of
experience or feasibility.
43
The primsource of v e r t k a l H % e m a - s h ? t ~ e kd~ a
~e
k during the
implementation period 1977-1982 will be from BT's or XBT's used aboard research
vessels and voluntary observing ships. To improve the synoptic BT and XBT data
coverage, it will @e neceasery to develop inetrument packages that digitize the data
and transmit them sUtomrtically by satellite.
44
The present methods for determining sea surface curaents from ships' set
rely on the comparison of observed position fixes with deduced positions made by
integration of the ship's motion through the water from a single component log.
This.
method has severe limitations and further effozta are required to develop suitable
cefined techniques for the measurement of surface ourrents.
45
The priorities for the next phase of work on observational strategy in
- 14 the determination of statistical parameters for the more
important properties of the ocean for many different areas,
for example, etructure funotiona or the closely related
epectre for SST a d heat oontcnt of the upper layers from
existing data as well aa from planned research projects;
the design of sutomatio data gathering paokagee capable of
transmitting data via aatellite and their installation on
ships. The moat important data to be gathered a d transmitted
in thia way relates to the structure in the upper 500 m.
Parameters to be Observed
46
( a > The parameters to be observed in the IGOSS observing system with
priority for implementation during the period 1977-1982 are listed below:
9
(i)
(ii)
Primary parameters:
Necessary
complementary
parameters:
surface and sub-surface sea temperature
surface and sub-surfaoe salinity
wind waves and swell
eurfoce and sub-surface currents
water level anomalies
wind speed and direction
atmospheric pressure
air temperature
dew point
ice cover and icebergs
solar radiation (if inatrumented)
(b) For special projects, such as those relating to chemicals, pollutants,
nutrients and the primary productivity cycle, the parameters to be measured will be
determined a0 part of the programme.
IGOSS Basic Observational Network
The IGOSS Basic Observational Network (IBON) is established
47
framework of the IGOSS Observing System and is intended to act as the
of this system during the implementation period 1977-1982. It should
to be the minimum useful network in terms of the density and accuracy
(see paragraph 53).
within the
major component
be considered
of observations
IBON will provide surface and sub-surface data for analysis and prediction
48
of ocean conditions on a world-wide basis. It will also satisfy some of the ~ O / W W W
requirement for sea-surface observations as specified in the WWW Plan and Implementation
Programme 1976-1979, and will provide oceanographic data required by.GARP to
continuously update information concerning sea surface temperature and sea ice.
. .
-.
-
49
The immediate objective is to obtain a minimum set of surface and sub-surface
temperature data to the upper 500 m of the ocean on a regular basis with time and
space scales necessary to define the major features of the world oceans and to
support synoptic meteorology. Special attention will be given to providing support
- 15 to FGGE. IBON will later be expanded to include the measurement of other peraetersL
as measuring techniques, instruments and resources become available.
-------------------
Network of Stations
The chart on page 16 shows the required minimum distribution and density of
50
observations believed to be necessary to define the major characteristics of the
world's ocean^. Approximate boundaries of the major water masses and the number of
sampling points within each area are shown in figures as well. The positions of the
sampling stations need not be geographically fixed, but should be distributed
throughout each area and should not be oo-linear. A recommended distribution iR
shown by the dots on the chart. A minimum coverage would be obtained by making one
sounding per day at each station.
51
It is recognized that in theltght g f later data 'analysis, such an initfal
coverage may prove to be inadequate for gome tasks. The etatistical analysis of data
will reveal the importance of mesoscale feaeures m d the d e s i w of the observing
system may be modified accordingly. Aa a means of obtaining data on scales smeller
than those indicated in the chart on page 16 and in order to provide spatial
statistics on these smaller scales, it is recommended that wherever possible the
basic system should be supplemented by more closely spaoed obseryations. Some areas
may already be identified as meriting additional emphasis. These are:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
where linkage mechanisms with the atmosphere have been
ehown to be important;
Hansen's influence points; *
where present observational density is low;
grdien
A tar&et rate of progress of imglemntation of the neaessPry cover52 *
iesb8hown i n the table below,
1
.
+
*
Reference:
W S E N , W.
1 0 - loo
Uber den Ehtwurf baeanographischer Stationsaysteme.
Wittwil. Ipst. Meereshnde, Uaiv. Hamburg, No. 13, 1970.
x
- 16 -
-.
n
0
- 17 -
.......................
Accuracy and Resolution
It is essential that the measurements should be made with sufficient
53
accuracy to make them operationally useful but with due account for the increased
cost needed to attain high accuracy. An indication of the useful degrees of
accuracy of three essential parameters is given below. Values indicated are
representative on a scale of about 50 km.
Marginally
Useful
Sea Surface
Temperature
Desirable for
Water Mass
Analy si s
Optimum Accuracy
Needed to
Implement IBON
Mixed Layer
'Depth
20 m or 10%
whichever is
larger
Temperature
Gradient below
Mixed Layer
~ O C / ~ O Om.
or
20$ whichever
is larger
I
0.25OC
3OC
or
2%. whichever
is larger
~ O C / ~ OmO
I
54a
1
.......................
Observational Platforms
54
The f o l l o w i w ocean data acquisition p h t f a r m e &I% obnsidered as eseantid
during the period 1977-1982:
(a)
ooewographic and meteorological research ships;
b)
ocean weather shlps;
c)
W¶O voluntary observing ships &d
shipa 02' oppaxtunity;
1
-
--------
Oceanographic
and Meteorological Rerseqch Ships
----------------------------C-r
-i----
Oceanographic and meteorological research ships are the most reliable data
55
source for ocean parameters required in the IGOSS observing systems. It is of
- 18 particulax importance that during the implementation pgriod 1977-1982 participating
nations endeavour to have as many as poseible sea temperature and salinity observations
taken aboard their ships and transmitted on a real-time basis. Reports from research
ships participating in ecientific experiments and special oceanographic investfgetion
will greatly oontribute to the improvement of.the data coverage of the IGOSS observing
ays%em
.e
i
.!
’
Oceanographio observetions are carried olit aboaPd most of the presently56.
operated ocean weather ships. WHO 16.mbars concerned
encouraged to
for sea temperature and salinity observations
continue theee observatiana and srrto be trangmitted ch a real-time basis.
------------ ---------
--------- ------ -------
WMQ V o l u n t a q Observing Ships and S h i p of OEeortunity
--e-
WMO voluntary observiq ehips and shipe’of opportunity will remain a
57
primary eource of sea temperature data throughout the implementation period 1977-1982.
Therefore it is important t h d Member States make every eff0r.t to increase the number
of observing ships c a r q i n g out 8ea temperature observations. In recruiting suah
ships, socount should be taken of the areas or routes on which the ships are normally
plying in relatian to the proposed IBON reference network of stations.
--------------
Ocean Data B u o z ~
58
The use of moored and free drifting buoy.8 as synoptic oceanographic data
acquisition platforms is asrtalnly feasible and will soon offer the potential to
expand the data base of the IGOSS observing system. Buoys have been undergoing tests
for years in several countries. Moored buore may provide useful data and they-can be
placed in xemote areas, outside of ahipping lanes where it is not practical to divert
merchant ships and for which data are needed for analysiFs and prediction purposes.
Effbrte should be cantinuert %.o devebop and deploy operational ocean data buoys.
59
Drifting buoys, while not capable of accommodating the full range of
observations that can be obtained from moored buoys, may, for the near future (5 to
10 years), become a useful form of buoy system to deploy. Firstly, they are relatively
cheap to purchaee, Secondly, they are expendable, thereby not requiring maintenance
visits. Thirdly, their sensing packages are uncomplicated, within the state of the
art. Fourthly, they can be launched with limited training and facilities. Drifting
buoys have, however, more complex communication problems because buoy locations
must also be calculated. Drifting buoys are being considered for uae in FGGE as one
of the speoial observing eystems, particularly for southern circumpolar waters where
clouds persist and surface conditions cannot be often 8en8ed by satellite. The
results of the FGGE will provide an indication on the usefulness and feasibility of
drifting buoys for operational use in IGOSS.
- 19 -
...........................
Coastal and Island Stations
60.
Participating nations should be encouraged to select aoaetal and island
stationEl and equip them so that they can obtain observations useful for IGOSS purpose@.
In particular, meaeurements should be -de of sea levels, wavee, ice, water temperature
and the complementary meteorolagiaal obaervatfons. Such statione will be important
observing stations for pollution monitoring as well. Inoorporatlon of the coastal and
island data should be considered when required for IDPSS product formulation.
----------
Satellites
Monitoring of the ocean from space is now foreseen as one of the advancements
61.
in operational data acquisition that will make additional data available for IGOSS
use on a routine basis by 1960. Satellites have yet to play a major role in
monitoring and a s ~ e s e i n goceanic conditions. However, as sensors and instruments have been
developed, it has become apparent that much important and useful data on the ocean can
be gathered from space platforms. Under relatively cloud-free conditions, sea surface
temperature can be derived from infra-red measurements from satellites and some
tracking of major ocean currents can be accomplished. Experimental satellite products
such as hemispheric sea surface temperature analyses and current and water mas8
depiction charts have undergone tests and are proving to be useful additional components o
services which already make use of surfaae, sub-surfaae and airborne observational
elements. The advance made towards incorporating satellite observational techniques
in operational service programmes is one technological development that should have
a great impact on IGOSS. Member States developing and operating satellite systems
are encouraged to make processed data available to others participating in IGOSS.'
The requirements of the IBON for the data and information which can be
62.
obtained from existing and planned satellite systems are -as follows:
sea surface temperature
surface thermal detail (fronts)
surface wind field
surface wave statistics
currents
upwelling8
open ocean tides
storm surge
icebergs and ice cover
ocean colour
floating pollutants
....................................... ____-
Further Studies and Development Work Reguired
63
A consequence of the mixed nature of the D O N observing system (satellite,
aircraft, buoy, ship) is that a particular variable may be measured by several very
different techniques. It is important that these data should be comparable without
-
20
-
complex.processing. A particular example is the measurement of sea surface temperature
by various systems at the surface and by eatellites which themselves employ different
methods from one another. Difficultiee e i s e in the assimilation of these varioue
date which reduce the usefulnees of the date set in practical applications. Problems
are also caueed by the lack of compstibility between different satellite comunication
syatens and it ia important thst there lshould be agreement on common standards in
orqer that suzfaoe data colleotion pfatfome can work through a variety of satellites
without duplication of transmitting equipment.
Costs o m be reduced by cslreful choice of' the variables measured and by
64
reatrioting the mourroy and resolution delPanded to thst strictly required. C r r d u l
aormting of the uee d e of the vsrioue data in deriving service products will
probably lead to the elimination of some data now reporhd.
69mere ie the urgent need for introducing semi or fully automatic data
aoquisition egstems. %!he desirable sttribtdee of ruch systems are that they ehouldr
(a)
be oompact, to minimiBe interconnections;
(b)
have an automatio communication systems
(0)
have long "mean time between failures" to eliminate the
neceesity of eervicing at sea;
(a)
have stability of calibration to obviate adjustment at sea.
Great emphasis is placed on the need to minimise servicing, adjustment and calibration.
In most cases the cost of a data acquisition system totalled over its lifetime is
dominated by the maintenance element.
- 21 TELECOMMUNICATION ARRANGEMENTS
Purpose and Principles
The purpose of the IGOSS telecommunication arrangements is to ensure the
66.
rapid and reliable collection, exchange and distribution of ocean data originating
from the IGOSS observing system, and of processed infopation available from the
IGOSS Data Processing and Services System, and is operated in accordance with the
following principles:
(a)
IGOSS observational data and processed information are exchanged
over the Global Telecommunication System of the World Weather
Watch:
(i)
the National Meteorological Service responsible for the
operation of a telecommunication centre on the GTS be it a
World Meteorological Centre (WMC) or a Regional
Telecommunication Hub (RTH) or a National Meteorological
Centre (NMC) is also responsible for both the transmission
to and reception from the GTS of IGOSS observational data
and processed information;
(ii)
the WMO standard telecommunication procedures specified
in the Manual on the GTS should be applied for the handling
of IGOSS observational data and processed information;
(iii)
(b)
where non-GTS circuits are used procedures applicable to
these circuits should be followed.
Methods and capabilities to be used for the transmission of ocean
data from ODAS to the shore should include those offered by the
following:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
International Maritime Mobile Service;
Radio communication using HF bands allocated by the ITU
World Administration Radio Conference;
Geostationary meteorological satellites through their
International Data Collection System;
Polar orbitting satellites;
Communication satellites, such as International Maritime
Satellite System (IPJMBRSAT).
Collection and Exchange of BATHT and TESAC Reports
67
The collection and exchafige of BATHY and TESAC reports involves the
following four stages:
(a)- Ship to coastal radio station or earth station;
.
- 22 (b)
Coastal radio station or earth station to National Meteorological
Centre HMC or an Oceanographic Data Processing arrd Service
Centre OPC ;
U
(c) BFIC or OW to ~n app~og2iateCTB centre for data inaertioa in
the 6988
(4
t "hie Semioe ie
roroiwfosl =@porte
fronl
v b h n t a r y obrsrviry ehips aa8 airmllarly of Bb'pHII
and ~ ~ r e l # r r t l l$or
i Z#W.
'Pbrae -porte are
defined by the ITU W i o Regulations a8 "meteorological
radioteltwgzams" end rrhould bear a specified service instruction
end paid eervice indioetor. WMO publirhes a list of coastal
radio etations deeignerted by its Member States for the
reception of ship reports, including BATHY and TESAC reports,
free of oharge. Watch-keeping hours aboard single operator
shipe and the inoreaeirig traffic in the Maritime Mobile
Servioe, especially in HF communications, have been two main
area8 of difficulty etfeoting the timely and efficient
collection of ship reports. To overcome these difficulties,
introduction of new teohnology, such aa the direct printing
system with selective calling devioee and satellite data
collection system, ehould receive urgent attention,
I
(b) ,Comunicrtion ~reimcsix HF bands allocated by the World
&lminietrative R d i o Corrference: The ITTJ World Administrative
Badio Conference (WAEC 1967) allocated six HF bands each 3.5 KHs
in width in the 4, 6, 8, 12, 16 and 22 KEz rangea for the
tranemission of ocean data. In response to a W m C decision and
in order to assure the rational utlization of the allocated bands,
procedures have been established whereby the IOC and WMO
Secretariat jointly act as a co-ordinating body for their use.
Frequencies reserved and/or allocated to various countries are
recorded in the Agreed Interim Frequency Utilization Plan which
is kept updatedand circulated to all WMO and IOC Member States.
The WBRC-1974 decided that the present allocation of the six
ED bands should be maintained without change until the next
Administrative Conference in 1979. Therefore, the existing
arrangements for the utilization of the frequencies should
continue to apply at least until then.
- 23 Satellite Data Collection System:
(i)
Data collection from buoys, ships and remotely located
platforms will be possible via geostationary and polar
orbitting meteorological satellites during the present
implementation period (1977-1982). The geostationary
meteorological satellites to be launched by the European
Space Agency (ESA), Japan, the USSR and the USA in support
of the First GARP Global Experiment (FGGE) and expected to
continue in support of the World Weather Watch will have an
International Data Collection System. This system should
also be used for the collection of IGOSS observational data.
A similar system will also be available on polar orbitting
meteorological satellites.
(ii)
The International Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO)
is undertaking a project for establishing an International
Maritime Satellite System (INMARSAT) which is intended for
providing, amongst others, an effective service for the
collection and distribution of navigational, meteorological,
hydrographic and oceanographic information, including
transmission by direct printing and/or facsimile.
Very High Frequency Transmission: Very high frequency transmissions
(VHF) make it possible to set up short-distance links (within sight);
they are being used for the collection of data from moored buoys
situated close to coastlines.
Dissemination of Products to Users
69.
Dissemination of products to users is to be arranged on a national basis
using,the national meteorological telecommunication network of the GTS and/or other
appropriate telecommunication circuits.
IGOSS DATA PROCESSING AND SERVICES SYSTEM (IDPSS)
Purpose and Principle
-
70
IGOSS has stimulated observation of the ocean environment and the regular
collection and exchanee of these data in real-time. The IDPSS provid'es the basis
for an international data pP'ocessing and services syetem for the provision'of
oceanographic analysis and prediction products. The puppose of the IDPSS is to make
available to users the 'tiasic processed observational data and analyses needed for
real-time and near real-time applications. This system is intended to provide a
common basis for the operations of the various oceanographic centres which have been
established to meet the partibular user requirements of an area. The'functions of
the various centres will fiot affect the status of any international commitment of
countries to give support to shipping and air/sea rescue nor to determine the manner
in which members execute these responsibilities.
- 24 71
Products produced by the IDPSS will be useful in the following
(not listed in priority order):
shipping operations;
engineering operations at sea;
fisheries research and operations:
aqua-culture operations;
evaluating the oonsequences of man's activities in the sea,
auch a8 oil spills, atomic power plant location, deep water
port location, waste disposal and other modifications to
existing systems;
oceanographic research;
ataospheric prediction models and climate modelling.
Organization of the IDPSS
72
The IDPSS will be composed of three types of centres.
their distinguishing characteristics, are:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
These types, with
World Oceanographic Centres (WOC) . These centres provide
processing on a global and/or hemispheric, and major ocean
basin scale. They collect and process IGOSS observations
received over the GTS from specialized and national centres.
They offer oceanographic products such as sea surface temperature
and mixed layer analyses to any participating nations interested.
.
National Oceanographic Centres (NOC)
These centres are organized
to satisfy the requirements of the particular nations' users.
They will receive products from the world centres as needed in
support of their service programmes. They will monitor IGOSS
data collection from sources within their nation;
.
Specialized Oceanographic Centres (SOC)
SOCs are established when
required by participating nations for data processing and the provision
of products for users in their countries. This type includes
centres which are specialized in the processing of certain ocean
parameters and which serve, through their products the particular
needs within a well-defined ocean area or sea.
A SOC could be a national centre or one established as a joint effort of several
countries and will be included in the system only when a willingness has been
expressed to adhere to IGOSS objectives. These specialized centres will be treated
the same as national centres for IDPSS purposes, with the World Centres taking full
account of their specialized needs for synoptic oceanographic support.
73The Global Observing System of the World Weather Watch (WWW) and IGOSS will
produce large amounts of marine environmental data. As in meteorology,speed in
processing oceanographic observational data in the form of analyses and prognoses is
essential. To begin with,the ocean thermal and density structures of the upper layers
will be analysed. Eventually, ocean current observations and analyses will be included
- 25 as the IDPSS develops. Considering the scarcity and high cost of observations of
temperature and salinity in the ocean, it is also necessary to have efficient systems
for data storage and retrieval for both real-time and archival uses.
Specified Functions of WOCs for
74
1977-1982
Real-time processing functions:
WOCs will :
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
75.
receive observations and prepare analyses of sea surface
temperature according to the specifications set out below;
receive observations and prepare analyses of temperature
at fixed levels for the upper ocean;
prepare edited collections of observations in standard and
special formats for users; and
execute quality control procedures.
Non-real-time processing functions:,
WOCs will :
(i)
(ii)
document procedures for quality control and exercise quantity
control procedures;
provide IGOSS Responsible National Ocean Data Centres (IRNODC's)
with collections of sub-surface data in standard formats;
,
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
.
publish descriptive material fully explaining methods of analysis;
prepare product analyses for routine periodic exchange;
provide processed products for research uaes;
provide opportunities for exchange visits.
The forms in which data are processed for climatological and research punposes should
be such that it can be published. Data which are needed for large-scale investigations
should be readily available in a convenient format for machine processing.
Specifications €or Initial WOG Products
The initial products for exchange will be the sea surface temperature at
76 *
points of the numerical weather grid in common use at the time of the initial exchange
ana the mixed layer depth for the same points. Each of these initial products is now
described in operational terne.
Additional requirements for oceanographic infarmation on a r e m l a r basis
77
will include sea surface temperature and the temperature structure with depth down
to 500 metres on a grid of one degree latitude dimensions. It is logical to begin
the exchange between the WOCs and the NOCs and SOCs with products which are somewhat
less comprehensive than those needed for the 1978-1982 time period. Specifications
for these products are as follows:
(i)
26
-
sea surface temperature (SST)
sea surfam temperature from open ocean areas (i.e.
100 km from land or ice, and greater than 200 m water
depth) ;
scalar variable;
range
- 5OC
to 4OoC;
temperature of the surface sea water layer to 1 metre
depth;
grid point values are to be in degrees and tenths;
data points will be at grid spacing commonly used;
100 km spacing by 1978, northern hemisphere to start,
later globally;
isoline charts with contours at 4OC with 2OC spacing
optional in flat gradient areas;
polar prodections for areas at latitudes higher than
20' to 30 . Mercator projections for areas at lower
latitudes and as one which may be used for global coverage;
internally WOCs may produce charts with different
characteristics;
daily analysis;
exchanged once/day;
day-to-day difference fields and indications of diurnal
. variations will be maintained as much as possible;
(n)
(ii)
mean charts may be prepared as required (e.g. 5 day,
10 days, 1 month);
mixed layer depth (MLD)
- depth of
(a)
mixed layer depth
temperature;
surface layer of homogeneous
(b)
computer definition
increasing levels of depth from
the surface are considered until a temperature 2OC colder
than the surface temperature is reached. Then the last
significant level considered is egtablished as the MLD.
If the entire profile is within 2 C of SST then the MLD
is the depth of the profile's bottom depth;
(c)
grid point field
10 metres;
(a)
information on existence and day-to-day persistence of
transients (i.e. shallow niinor thermoclines due to surface
heating) should be maintained when feasible;
-
- depth will be
defined to the nearest
- 27 (e) analyses, using WMO Code Form FM 47-V-GRID, should
be exchanged daily over the GTS;
(f)
initially (1977-1978) analysis will be aonfined
to the northern hemisphere with global analysis
available later (1978-1980).
Where possible, analysis of a parameter will be based on corrected data and
78
will be prepared using computer methods. In producing the analysis, it is desirable
to make broad use of observational data obtained from all available platforms
including ships, aircraft, buoys and satellites. The results of the analyais may be
presented either in graphical form or as a field of data at fixed grid points and as
a list of accepted, rejected and interpolated data. The distribution of the results
of the analysis should be through the international GRID code or graphically.
Forecast of variations of a parameter in time should be made using numerical models
for presentation in digital and/or graphic form.
Development Aims for WOCs
79.
The WOCs should endeavour to develop and adapt research models for
operational analyses and interactive predictions of the atmosphere-ocean system for
up to one or two weeks into the future. These models should include predicted ocean
temperature structure as an output, and will have realistic first approxiEations to
atmosphere-ocean energy exchange mechanisms. Further they should develop and adapt
research models for ocean motion and circulation which will accept water level and
current observations and predict these as long as possible (2-5 days) into the future.
Specifications for NOCs and SOCs
80.
To provide a useful contribution to the IDPSS, centres should:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
use uniformly accepted formats or codes for input of the
original data;
make its products available on request to uaers outside
its area of concern in a form compatible with general
international standards. Besides distribution of its own
products, NOCs are responsible for making available the
products of WOCs to those requiring them. These may be in
the original form or as modified by the NOC;
endeavour to provide additional products in its field of
speciality, when requested, on the basis of user requirements
arising through the IDPSS;
store data in a format compatible with those specified
in the Manual on IGOSS Data Archiving and Exchange;
publish selected data if required;
co-operate in the training programme conducted within the
framework of IGOSS;
exercise strict quantity and quality control procedures.
- 28 Quality Control
81.
The basic elements of quality control of BATHY and TESAC data obtained
through the GTS system consist of the detection of errors occurring during the
production and coding of the data, and of errors and distortions which creep into the
text of the bulletins during transmission along the telecommunications channels.
82.
The responsibility for primary quality control of transmitted observational
data rests with national centres which eliminate such crude errors as: distortion of
vessel position co-ordinates, incorrect ordering of groups in the report, substitution
of initial figure of the groups and errors caused by the telecommunication line.
Primary control also includes correction of group indieators in the bulletin and the
number of figures in the group. It is desirable that national services use similar
procedures for control of their observations and make provision to ensure that data
entered into the GTS in the form of bulletins be made error free.
83
Quality control procedures should be an integral part of the operational
programmes but efforts should be made to minimize delay of transmitted data to
processing centres.
In order to ensure high quality product outputs, data processing
centres must eliminate errors which were not detected during data control at national
centres and which arose in bulletins through the fault of the telecommunication system.
Reliability control of the parameter under observation (temperature, salinity, waves,
current, etc.) should be carried out at the processing centres by objective analysis
of the distribution range of the parameter concerned.
The Exchange of Processed Data
a4
The data received at WOCs via the GTS from national centres is transferred
onto magnetic tape for further processing (analysis/forecast). The cullected data
bulletins are combined for each individual ocean region, part of the ocean or
individual basin for further processing and return transmission to national centres.
In addition, the data is entered on the appropriate form for further transmission and
processing in non-real-time at IGOSS Responsible National Oceanographic Data Centres
(IRNODCs) and National Qceanographic Data Centres (NODCS).
85=
The NOCs and WOCs on the basis of the data collected, and using objective
analysis and numerical forecasting methods, issue products (analyses/forecasts) in
response to the needs of users and other centres. For the sake of greater operational
effectiveness in receiving the processed products, exchange between centres is done in
international GRID code numerical form. At the request of the centres, the exchange
may be done using combined data forms which have undergone primary processing for
individual regions of the world oceans.
Archiving; and Exchange
Observational data (BATKY and TESAC) received by NOCs and SOCs should be
86.
transferred by them in non-real-time, in appropriate form for further periodical
processing to IRNODCs.
IRNODCs should carry out the procedures for archiving and
exchange of data in accordance with the Manual on IGOSS Data Archiving and Exchange.
- 29 DATA ARCHIVING AND EXCHANGE
Purpose
87
From the earliest stages of intergovernmental planning for IGOSS, it was
recognized that most data collected in conjunction with IGOSS would be of permanent
value and that arrangements should be made for their preservation, beyond their
initial operational use. Consequently guidelines for archiving and exchange of data
were developed. These are contained in the Manual on IGOSS Data Archiving and
Exchange.
00.
One basic objective of the system prescribed by the Manual is to establish
complete archives of the IGOSS data in its shipboard encoded form within less than
six months from the time of collection. The primary role of the World Data Centre
System i n - t h e IGOSS scheme is to maintain various indexes to the archived IGOSS data.
Normally however, much of the IGOSS data, which have been shipb$ard encoded, will be
carefully processed in greater detail and with greater accuracy by land-based
activities. This conventional type of data is exchanged through the NODCs and the
WDC (Oceanography) in accordance with the procedures stipulated in the IOC Manual
on International Oceanographic Data Exchange (IODE).
BATHY and TESAC Data
89
The Manual is primarily concerned with BATHY and TESAC reports and offers
procedures for their handling and disposition. BATHY and TESAC reports coded on
shipboard on standard IGOSS BATHY and TESAC loge reach archiving centres via two
separate routes:
(a)
Logs are mailed to the appropriate National Oceanographic
Data Centre (NODC) or its equivalent. The NODCS process
the data on the logs into a standard archival format for
IGOSS data, the O C W SYNDARC Format, and transmit them to
one of the IGOSS Responsible NODCs (IRNODCs).
The IRNODCs
are certain NODC's which have assumed the responsibility to
maintain complete archives of IGOSS data for specified regions
of the world's oceans and to provide exchange and other services
to the "secondary" (i.e. non-operational) user community.
(b)
The BATHY and TESAC reports, telecommunicated in international
Code Forms FM 63 and 64 and transmitted through the GTS are to
be recorded on suitable technical carriers (e.g. magnetic tape)
by the Oceanographic Centres and delivered at weekly intervals
to the nearestlRNODC. The IRNODCs will, subsequently, compile a
comprehensive OCEAN SYNDARC formatted archival file. .
'
Future Developments
90.
In the period 1977 to 1982, it is anticipated that there will be three major
developments within the framework of IGOSS which will require expansion or modification
of the present scheme for IGOSS Data Archiving and Exchange:
- 30 -
IGOSS Data Archiving and Exchange System
(BATHY and TESAC)
Ships
Buoys
Aircraft s
Oceanographic
Centre for data
processing and
product formul-
Responsible
National Oceanographic Data
Centre
\
..........................
Laboratories
Telecommunicated BATHY and TESAC Reports
Inventories
BATHY and TESAC Logs
Tapes, Cards, etc.
(OCEAN SYNDARC)
Tapes of BATHY and TESAC Reports,
Data summaries , analyses products
- 31 -
New Data
The broadening of programmes, either directly
stemming from IGOSS or utilizing IGOSS for their support,
to include new types of data such as surface currents and
telecommunicated data from platforms other than ship@,. i.e.
satellites and buoys and data from marine pollution monitoring
programmes ;
-
IDPSS
The implementation of the IDPSS and the establishment
of National, Specialized and World Oceanographic Centres an13
their operational capabilities will most probably have a
profound effect both on the archiving procedures for BATHY and
TESAC data as well as for other telecommunicated data;
-
IGOSS Archival Services With the growth of the
data banks, there will b e a corresponding growth
of services offered by the IRNODCs. At the same
well occur an increase in the numbel’ of IFUTODCS
of their areas of responsibility.
IGOSS archival
in the range
time thefie may
and a realignment
.....................
Marine Pollution Data
91
Data collected through the Pilot Projeot on Harine Bollution (Petroleum)
Monitoring are not intended for radio transmission. The data obtained from observations
using standardized techniques are recorded on standard IGOSS logs and forwarded to
national agencies by mail. The data are then transmitted to NODCs or their equivalent
The urgency of the data flow to IRNODCs depends on the
and finally to the IRNODCS.
type of data, e.g., data on visually observed pollutants may be required to flow
rapidly, whereas data on, say, dissolved hydrocarbons need not be handled so quickly.
Having regard to the complexity of these collection prooedures, close monitoring is
called for and an effective liaison established with IODE.
Harine Pollution Monitorina Pilot Pro3ect.Ds*q
Arohival and BxohanRe Syetem
National
Pollution
Konitoring
Platf o w
National
Environmental
kenw
Ooeanogrsphio
Laboratoq or
other national
agency
World Data
Oaeanographic
Bate Centre
(BO=) or
designated
rkat ional
agency (DMA)
heeponsible
National
OO.rnaobc.PhiU
_-_-- - --*
-
Centres
(W)
AandB
’
&(Oceanos=pW
Cenlre for
IIP.1Ymim of
Pollution Monitoring Lo- end S u p l e e
Insentorism
Pollution HdnShriu# l+=txga
Porn and mode am m e a b e w e e n
Centres
Note:
1
A
This scheme will further be elaborated.in ao-operation with the
IOC Working Committee on International Oceanographic Data Exchange
in the course of development and implelnenttrtion of the Marine
Pollution Monitoring Pilot Project
I
- 32 Satellite and Aircraft Data
-----------*-----3---------
92.
At thio stage, information concerning the type of sea surface temperature
data l i k e l y 3 0 be available from direct reading equipment in satellites and aircraft
is incomplete. This data should be held in centres specializing in the archiving of
such data and not included in IGOSS archives. Inventories of the information held can
be kept at &RRODCs.
The procedures for archiving this important data demand further
study and IGOSS must work qlosely with the IOC Working G,TOUP on IODE on this matter.
---------Other Data
95.
The a m h i v a l prooeduFes for Bimp3.e types 6% data such as eurface currents
which are r6)t)@thded similar to tempera,tura and salinity data on standard shipboard Logs
and telecommunSoated ueine; s ' t a n d d imtemational code forms, would be essentially the
B ~ as
O for
BATBY and TESAO reports. An increaae in data recorded and telecommuncally is expected during the next phase of IGOSS. The main sources of
euch data will bb surfaoe and sub-surface sensors mounted on buoys and fixed platform,
buC may aleo include bathythermograph and other data automatically encoded on board
ships. Thie data is highly desirable from an IGOSS archiving point of view. It $8
telecornarwioated and subsequently tjcmsmitted via the GTS in etandard international codes,
transferred from Oceanographic (3ehtrae to IIWODcs on aamputer-compatible carriers, and
convertedbinto an O C W SYNDARO archival format. 9 h e m being no llLogsll,
no timeconsuming digitization and related processing would be required.
94.
The planned implementation of the IDPSS and its associated NOCs, SOCB and
WOCs will result in major benefits to the "seoondmy" users by broadening and
etrerwthening of the IGOSS*DataArohiving and Exchange acheme. The most notable of
these benefits is expeoted to be in tbe area of improved quality of archived data,
generation of archivable data summaries and products, and greater efficiency of the
archive-related processing.
One of the functions of the WOCs and NOGs is to apply statfetical and
analytical quality control to data received aB an integral part of producing synoptic
millyses and predictim products. It would therefore be highly advantageous lPor tho
IGOSS Archiving Centres i.e. WM:s and IRBODCe, to reobive their telec-l~lted
NOCs ofter these have been subjected to q w l i t J f control
data from the WOCs &lor
rather than before. This arrangement would not preolude efforts at further quality
control of the data by ElODCls and IIiHODCs. The intescoaparison of data from
diverse sources such as ship SSTs and eatellite SSFs is an example of an IDPSS
control service.
95
96
For many secondary user requirements, data summaries may actually be of
greater interest than the b a s h data. Decisions on what to archive at IRNOM=s in
the way of products will have to be based on a careful review of potential long-term
user requirements and the nature, attributes, and volume of the products as they
evolve within the IDPSS framework. The judicious archiving of data products is one
approach to encompass auxiliary data from multiple sources. For instance, satellitesensed SST data are certain to be utilized in digital or*image form in order to
enhanceconventional SST analyses, but are poorly suited for archiving within the
context of IGOSS. The archiving of analysis products would, in a sense, preserve the
effect of such high volume or specialized data sets for numerical analyses without the
need to place them into the IGOSS Archiving Scheme.
- 33 -
-----------------
Archival Services
97.
The IGOSS Archival Centres, especially the IRNODCs, though not operating in
a "real-time" mode, can provide oceanographic services. The principal functions of
the IGOSS RNODCs are defined in the Manual on IGOSS Data Archiving and hrchange.
With the expected growth in the volume of data in their data bases and with improved
geographic coverage of data, the IRNODCs will eventually be in a position to provide
certain additional services on a routine or occasional basis. These will fall into
three broad categories:
i.
Data summaries and analyses ecompassing archived data from time
periods of greater duration than those used by the WOGS, SOCS
and NOCs.
Most operational products of the latter will be based
on time periods of days or at most perhaps one to four weeks. The IGOSS
RNODCs archives would furnish the appropriate source far monthly,
seasonal or annual data summaries.
ii.
Preparation of special, near-operational, or delayed mode products
for specified regions based on the telecommunicated data. The
capabilities of the IRNODCs may be used to augment the services
provided in the context of the IDPSS. For example, in a certain region
there may be an operational need for analyses based on a grid spacing,
time period of averaging, contour interval or depth level, other than
those provided by the IDPSS.
iii.
Services to users of non-telecommunicated data and data documentation.
For types of data such as are being generated by the Pilot Project
on Marine Pollution (Petroleum) Monitoring, the IRNODCs may be the
most suitable IGOSS component to provide data and services to
agencies conducting regional and global assessments and analyses.
MARINE POLLUTION MONITORING PROGRAMME
96.
In response to a recommendation of the UN Conference on the Human
Environment,,IOC and WMO have agreed jointly to u n d e d a k e design, planning and
development of a marine pollution monitoring programme ae a funotion of IGOSS. Actions
have already been made in this direction a+ they have received substantial sugporO
from UNEP in view of the close relationship of this programme with activities aimed
at establishing a Global Environmental Monitoring System. The Seventh World
Meteorological Congress stated that attempts ahould also be made to meet requests for
monitoring pollutants in addition to oil within the framework of IGOSS. As a first
step in this regard, IGOSS will concentrate on the monitoring of background pollution
in the open ocean.
99.
The objectives of the IGOSS marine pollution monitoring programmes are to
organize, through international co-operation, systematic observations of marine
pollution to obtain information about long-term changes and trends in the levels of
pollutants which can endanger human health, have a harmful effect on living organisms
or which influence the exchange of energy and matter between ocean and atmosphere.
- 34 This information should contribute to the formulation of mass balance relations which
can then be used to develop the scientific basis for the periodic assessment of the
state of pollution of the world's oceans and to assist in decisions on the need for
regulatory -$ion to control marine pollution.
100.
It is envisaged that the following pollutants should be monitored within
theae programme8 :
(a)
ChZorinated hydrocarbons ;
(b)
Heavy metale;
(c)
Petroleum and petroleum poduots;
(d)
[e)
Surface aotive eubstarnces;
Transuranic elmente.
The mazine pollution monitoring programme8 ehould be planned and carried out
101.
in oo-ordination with the Globs1 'Inveetigcrtim of Pollution in the Marine b v i r o m e n t
lonal end b w e l i n e statione for monitoring air
(GIPMB) and the VMO nettwork' of
pollution at backgroand i e ~ e i ~ en a pw$ of the Global Ehvironmental Menitoring
System of m 9 . Oloee bollsborstion is requirad between relevant IGOSS bodiee, the
IW Working Committee for G I m , G E S W and the W O Executive Committee Panel on
Ataoepherio Pollution.
*
I
102
A number of development effort8 will be required to achkeve a comprehensive
oaean monitoring ppograme.
to I
Particular attention during this period should be given
(a) Further development of regional marine pollution monitoring
programmes, e.g. in the Mediterranean.
(b)
Deeign and development of a s p t e m for monitoring background
levels of selected pollutants in open ocean waters.
(c)
Development of Pilot ProJecta, similar to the hilot Project
on &brine Pollution (Petroleum) Monitoring for the monitoring
of pollutants other than oil.
(a)
Further development of international prooedures for the
exchange of marine pollution data pa.rtic,ularly with the
IOC Working Committee on IODE.
(e)
Intercomparison of sampling and sample preservation methods
and of sample analysis methods particularly with the Working
Committee for GIPWE and GESAMP.
(f) Provision of assistarme to develaping countries to enable
them to participate actively in the programme particularly
with the IOC Working Committee on TEMA.
- 35 TRAINING AND EDUCATION PROGRAMME
103.
To create a global system, efforts must be made by IOC and W O to involve as
many countries 'as possible. Particular attention in this regard should be given to
the training of specialists in the developing countries in the diverse aspects of the
work associated with IGOSS, both on the national and international level. Training
should be provided on oceanographic and marine meteorological observation techniques,
instrument installation and maintenance, data processing, analysis and prediction of
oceanic processes, and user application of products and services. The collection,
preservation and analysis of samples of sea water for the purposes of monitoring of
marine pollution should also be included.
104.
These activities should be further developed through the existing mechanisms
in IOC and WMO: the IOC Working Committee on Training, Education and Mutual Assistance
(TEMA), the WMO Executive Committee Panel on Education and Training, the Division of
Marine Science of UNESCO and the WMO Secretariat. The major task of TEMA is to
develop and recommend programmes for training, education and mutual assistance as well
as appropriate mechanisms for the implementation of these programmes.
105.
During the period 1977-1980 attention should be given to the identification
of special requirements for training and education for existing IGOSS operational
prcgrainnies and projects, initially the BATHY/TESAC operational programme and the
marine pollution monitoring project. The training and education programme may include:
training courses and seminars; shipboard training; participation of specialists from
developing countries in the work of IGOSS Data Processing Services Centres and marine
chemical laboratories; preparation of textbooks, Manuals and Guides on various aspects
of IGOSS Programmes; and participation of specialists in seminars and workshops
related to IGOSS.
The use of UNDP, UNEP, VAP and IOC trust funds will be required to plan and
implement the IGOSS training programme.
106.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Scales and Processes
107.
It is recognized that an understanding of oceanic mechanisms and their
interactions through a range of time and space scales, even if only empirical, is
necessary before oceanic predictions.ore attempted. Pilot studiee, both in terms of
ongoing or finite scientific: experiments or as limited tests of specific IGOSS
component operations, should always be,undertaken. These pilot studies need not
necessarily involve advanced technology but may be based on simple widely available
techniques. The purposes of such studies should be:
(a) to obtain a quantitative basis for ocean data network design;
(b)
to improve our knowledge of oceanic mechanisms, their interactions, and their relative dynamic importance;
(c)
to develop methods for processing and analyzing the data that
will be collected in IGOSS. The difficulties of large-scale
ocean data handling should not be underestimated.
- 34 108
Studies and experiments directed at defining the structure and behaviour of
thermal anomalies and the development of diurnal and seasonal variations of the
thermocline for an ocean basin are of considerable importance to the development of
IGOSS. Time and space scales of variability are aspects of these studies that will
have a great impact in the design of any form of global monitoring network. Studies
and also airof the pnset and variation of upwelling and related predictive models
sea interaction studies aimed at predicting small-scale and large-scale processes,
are being conducted. These
particularly in the lower atmosphere and upper ocean
experiments are aimed at elucidating fundamental physical processes that will form
the basis of predictive models. Considerable importance is placed on work in physical
oceanography at intermediate scales (days to weeks and tens of kilometres). Experiments
are taking place in an area of weak currents which indicate horizontal scales of the
order of 100 kilometres and typical speeds of the order of 30 cm/sec for the dailyaveraged surface currents. The importance of smaller-scale processes in many problems
is also recognized, but not enough is known about them to take them into account
explicitly in the design of a global network.
-
-
109.
The continuing need for examination of the problem of the development of
network design criteria by scientists competent in statistical sampling is recognized.
The design of a global network of stations, for example, should be subject t o a
statistical analysis of scales of variability, keeping in mind the use to which the
data provided by the network is to be put. Studies of time and space scales of
variability must be linked to the variable under consideration.
Techniques and Methodology
*
110.
Research priorities in techniques and methodology should be specified in
relation to the desired application, bearing in mind the limitations imposed by the
scales of variability of the relevant parameters in the ocean. Questions on the
siting of baseline stations, key regions, and standard sections should be decided by
consideration of the processes that they are intended to elucidate, rather than by
technological or logistic considerations. Some improvements in the operations of
IGOSS can be made with reasonable economy, for instance by improvement and standardization of sensors used by ships. More effective use of these and similar observing
platforms depend less on research than an better organization, increased funds and
on some further engineering developments. For example, improved methods could be
provided for measuring sea-surface temperature; improved logs could be fitted to ships
with high navigational capability so as to allow better estimates of near-surface
currents; underway profiling devices could be developed to sample plankton, temperature, salinity, etc.; and the use of expendable bathythermographs could be increased.
111.
Models, both mathematical and analogue are being developed in several countries.
These aim at representing marine phenomena and circulation on various scales. The
most important contribution to these models would be in the development of techniques
and methods for satisfactory incorporation of processes, of which the scales are
smaller than the sampling grid. There will also be a need for monitoring their output,
by direct comparison of observations and predictions for suitably chosen parts of the
model or by checking the simulated integrated effects against observed values.
- 37 Approach
112.
The responsibility for the studies and experiments which would lead to the
solution of the problems cited in the previous paragraphs lies with Member States.
They are urged to undertake research programmes to facilitate the development of IGOSS.
In doing so, the international mechanisms already in existence for co-ordinating and
designing research programmes, such as LEPOR, SCOR and GARP, should be used whenever
possible.